"Why did they transfer?" Evaluating transfer portal landing spots
College football's transfer portal is largely a guessing game. Players seek new systems or opportunities and coaches try to figure out how and outsider's game will translate to their team. Sometimes, it's a great fit... sometimes it isn't.
Here's an evaluation of six of the biggest transfers and how they worked out.
"Why did they transfer": Evaluating transfer portal landing spots
Good Moves
#1. Cam Ward, Miami
Why did he transfer?
Ward left Washington State after the Pac-12 met its near-death. He saw the chance for more opportunity in Miami, with coach Mario Cristobal assembling a tough offense. Meanwhile, Tyler Van Dyke had moved on from Miami, so there was an opening there.
How has it gone?
Ward has been a Heisman candidate for the Hurricanes. He's already passed for 1,782 yards and 18 touchdowns in getting Miami out to a 5-0 start. He's been a steady triggerman for Cristobal's transfer-heavy team. Miami's a CFP candidate, so this one has worked for everybody.
#2. Isaiah Bond, Texas
Why did he transfer?
With the retirement of Nick Saban at Alabama, Bond was already going to be playing for a new coach. He bolted for Texas, where the Longhorns needed quick help with top receivers with Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell both gone to the NFL. Bond had shown promise at Alabama but had never developed into a top target.
How has it gone?
Texas is currently No. 1 and Bond has been their big-play wideout. He has 15 receptions for 290 yards and three scores, each of which leads or shares the lead on Texas's roster. Whether it's Quinn Ewers or Arch Manning, Texas has been great on offense and Bond has played the role he wanted.
#3. Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State
Why did he transfer?
Presumably, Judkins found his shot at a national title or NFL draft boost to be better in Columbus than in Oxford. A two-time 1,000-yard back at Ole Miss, Judkins was a star in Lane Kiffin's offense. He gave that up to split time with TreVeyon Henderson at OSU.
How has it gone?
Despite getting fewer carries than he did at Ole Miss, Judkins has been a star with the Buckeyes. Through three games, Judkins has 336 yards, which he has amassed in just 36 carries. Henderson might also reach 1,000 yards this year, so as long as the wins keep coming, this one has gone well for everyone.
Not so fast
#1. DJ Uiagalelei, Florida State
Why did he transfer?
After early struggles at Clemson, Uiagaleli played at Oregon State in 2023. Again, the Pac-12 looked gone forever, and Uiagalelei might have preferred another shot in the ACC. Meanwhile, Florida State had lost standout Jordan Travis.
How has it gone?
Terribly. FSU is 1-3 and Uiagaleli hasn't been great. In four games, he's thrown for just two touchdowns against three interceptions. Travis threw two picks for FSU a year ago in 324 passes. It's not like DJ has been the only problem for the Seminoles, but he hasn't lived up to expectations so far.
#2. Dante Moore, Oregon
Why did he transfer?
Moore had a rough season as a standout freshman at UCLA and then Bruin coach Chip Kelly left town. With a new coach coming in, Moore used the opportunity for another school. Oregon had lost Bo Nix to the NFL and seemed like a decent landing spot... before all-everything transfer Dillon Gabriel committed.
How has it gone?
Oregon has started fine, but Moore is sitting behind Gabriel. He has thrown just three passes so far this season. The proof will be in the pudding on this move. If Moore waits it out and starts next year for Oregon, then great. If not, he essentially wasted a year by coming on board despite a veteran transfer star.
#3. Cormani McClain, Florida
Why did he transfer?
McClain struggled in Deion Sanders's revolving door football program. A top recruit, McClain was hit and miss as a freshman and then elected to leave town. He moved on to Florida, where beleaguered coach Billy Napier could use talent of any kind.
How did it go?
McClain never played for Florida, leaving the team ahead of the 2024 season. McClain's next step is unknown, but he's running the risk of being the bust of this portal class.
Which transfers do you believe have been the best or worst so far? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.